Vegan Sloppy Joes
These Vegan Sloppy Joes offer a quick & delicious plant-based spin on the American classic - featuring protein-rich lentils in a zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty recipe is sure to please the whole family. Serve on toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw for a fun, satisfyingly messy meal that everyone will love!
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Can Opener
- mixing bowl
- Toaster or Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 whole small brown onion chopped
- 2 whole garlic cloves minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 14oz-can brown lentils (400g) 240g, drained
- 2 cups vegetable stock 500 ml
- 1 cup tomato passata 250 ml
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Serving:
- 4 vegan-friendly burger buns
- pickles optional
- coleslaw optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Drain the tinned lentils thoroughly and add them to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, and spices. Make sure the lentils are evenly coated.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetable stock, passata, tomato puree, agave syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the lentil mixture.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure everything is well combined. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes over medium heat. The sauce should thicken and coat the lentils. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the lentil mixture is cooking, toast the vegan-friendly hamburger buns. You can use a toaster or a skillet for this step. Lightly toast them to add texture and flavor.
- Spoon the cooked lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles and coleslaw if desired. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serving - Serve the Vegan Sloppy Joes on toasted buns for the best texture. Add pickles and coleslaw for a fresh crunch and extra flavor. Pair with fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The sloppy joe mixture also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for wraps.
- Storage - Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
- Reheating - Warm the lentil mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. Always toast fresh buns before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
- Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality lentils and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the mixture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, or omit it for a milder version.
- Toasting the buns prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a delicious crunch!
- For a gluten-free option, swap the buns for gluten-free hamburger buns.
- Customize your toppings with sliced avocado, vegan cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
- Double the recipe for meal prep and freeze portions for quick, protein-packed meals on busy nights.
- Experiment with different lentil varieties like green or brown lentils for varied texture.